NGC 1964: Spiral Galaxy (Lepus) RA: 05h 33.4m / DEC: -21° 56'.8 Instrument: 10-inch Starfinder |
The winter constellations aren't generally known for their galaxies. Nebulae and star clusters are the usual bill of fare. However, there are plenty of star cities to be found in the winter sky. NGC 1964 is among them. Located in the constellation Lepus 1.7 degrees southeast of 2.8 magnitude Beta (9) Leporis, this 10.8 magnitude spiral galaxy is presented in the sketch at left. The view at 190X in my 10-inch Starfinder Newtonian reveals a 2'.5x1'.1 oval aligned north-northeast to south-southwest. Several 12th and 13th magnitude GSC stars are scattered across the galactic disk. Don't mistake these for supernovae. The triangular asterism sticking like a dagger in the galaxy's northwest side includes 10.2 magnitude HD 36785, which shines at the apex. Two more field stars are presented as framing. |
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